RV Trip Budget Calculator: Free vs Paid Camping

A planning estimate. It uses only the numbers you enter. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere. Free camping still has a cost; this shows how much.

Compare the full cost of a trip with free camping against paying for campgrounds. The tool counts the extra driving, service fees and generator fuel that come with free sites.

Your trip

Trip length (days)Whole days, including travel days.Route miles (whole trip)Total driving miles you plan, round trip if you return.RV fuel economy (miles per gallon)Use your own measured towing or driving figure.Fuel price ($ per gallon)Use a current price along your route.

Paid campgrounds

Paid nightsNights in campgrounds with a fee.Average nightly rate ($)Include taxes and fees you expect to pay.

Free or dry camping

Free nightsNights at no-charge sites.Extra driving to reach and leave free sites (miles)Detours beyond your normal route, total.Water, dump and other service fees ($)Paid fills, dumps, showers and laundry you will need.Generator fuel (gallons)Only where generators are allowed. 0 if none.Nightly rate of a paid campground nearby ($)What you would pay if you did not camp free.

Everything else

Other trip costs ($)Food, entrance and permit fees, tolls, propane, repairs and anything else.

How it works

Fuel: route miles ÷ miles per gallon × fuel price. Extra driving for free sites is priced the same way.
Free-night cost: extra driving + service fees + generator fuel.
Comparison: free nights × the nearby paid rate, minus the free-night cost.
Not included: wear on your vehicle, time, and the value of a hookup stay. A paid campground near your route can be the better choice.

Plan the stay itself, or check the rules where you are going.

Trip planner Boondocking hub

RV trip budget

How it works